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Beneath the Mask
Last Updated:
2024-12-11 06:33:31
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THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows and Sparks
Chapter 8: Shadows and SparksThe explosion shattered the peaceful elegance of the Blackwood charity gala. The once lively ballroom was now an echo of screams and the sound of shattering glass, flames raging outside, casting creepy shadows that were seen through the grand windows.Guests ran helter skater, their elegant appearance crumbling into panic as smoke began to find its way into the room. Rico shielded Lydia and Myra instinctively, pulling them closer as they huddled behind a column.“What just happened?” Myra gasped, her bold confidence gone and in its stead was fear.Lydia’s gaze drifted across the room, sharp and calculating. “It must have been an attack but why here and why now?”Rico, still processing the chaos, his eyes scanned the room. “I need to check something,” he said, his voice steady despite the rush of emotions swelling inside of him.Before his sisters could protest, he broke away, pushing through the crowd toward the source of the explosion.The night was on f
Last Updated : 2024-12-12THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows Within Shadows
Chapter 9: Shadows Within ShadowsMelissa blinked her eyes against the harsh white light of the hospital room, her body weighed down by exhaustion and chronic pain. A fresh, yet lifeless scent of antiseptic hung in the air, accompanied with the faint beeping of the monitors by her bedside. She reached for the glass of water on the side table, wincing in pain as her body protested. Her mind, however, was a jumble of thoughts.The explosion, the shattered car. The images she’d so carefully gathered, all gone.A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She froze, because she wasn’t expecting anyone, her heart raced as a tall figure stepped into the room. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his face partially obscured by a wide hat. The man moved with an air of precision, closing the door behind him quietly.“Ms. Reynolds,” he said his voice low and calm. “My name is Mr. Vale and we need to talk.”Melissa narrowed her eyes. “If you’re here to finish the job, you’ll have to try
Last Updated : 2024-12-13THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Ruthless Measures
Chapter 10: Ruthless Measures The Blackwood estate tensed, more tensed than usual, every corner alive there was whispers of betrayal and fear. Lydia’s recent disappearance had left a shock to the Blackwood, one that no excuse could fully explain. Rico knew better than to believe the lies Alex had fed the family, but he had no confirmation to his suspicion and fear kept his questions locked in his heart. Down the hall, Catherine stood in her bedroom, her hand trembling as she gripped the edge of the dresser, Elisa, her lookalike cousin, seated on the couch behind her, the tension between them visible. “I can’t believe you dragged me into this mess,” Elisa said, her voice sharp. “You volunteered,” Catherine snapped, turning to face her. “I didn’t force you to come here and pose as me.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “I agreed because you said it would be temporary. But now Alex is watching me like a hawk, and your little secret is about to get us both killed.” The words hit Catherine
Last Updated : 2024-12-14THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Ties That Bind
Chapter 11: Ties That BindThe Blackwood estate bustled with activity as the wedding preparations for Rico Blackwood and Catherine Lionel reached fever pitch. The extensive grounds were filled with florists, caterers, and designers, each rushing to finalize their work. Yet, beneath the celebratory disguise, something didn’t feel right.In the grand sitting arena, Karen Blackwood, elegant in a tailored navy dress, sipped her tea with a calm demeanor that contradictive her dismissive tone. Ray Blackwood, her husband, sat across from her, flipping through pages of a financial report with little concern for the turmoil within his family.“This floral arrangement isn’t what I requested,” Karen said, gesturing at a sample bouquet. “The roses are far too large. Catherine’s wedding deserves perfection, not this... mediocrity.”The wedding planner, a wiry man with frazzled nerves, nodded hastily. “Yes of course, Mrs. Blackwood. I’ll have it corrected immediately.”Ray glanced up briefly. “Kare
Last Updated : 2024-12-15THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Buried Truths
Chapter 12: Buried TruthsThe Blackwood mansion shone under the afternoon sun, its towering pillars and expansive gardens exude an air of wealth and influence. Preparations for Rico Blackwood and Catherine Lionel’s upcoming wedding were in full swing, with staff bustling about, attending to florals, guest lists, and an endless stream of deliveries, the wedding was the next day, amid the orchestrated chaos, a sleek black car pulled up the estate's circular driveway.Richard Lionel stepped out, as he set his feet on the ground and poked his head, the atmosphere changed; a different air of wealth and power, His sharp navy-blue suit complemented his partly gray and partly black hair, while his dark eyes carried a piercing gaze. He had spent months traveling across continents, overseeing his business empire, and now he was back for his daughter’s wedding, although unwillingly, it is expected that he would be there.Inside, Catherine sat in her room, reviewing fabric samples with her assist
Last Updated : 2024-12-16THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Woven Fates
Chapter 13: Woven FatesIt was dawn; the day broke with a soft golden light, the sun casting its warm glow over the Blackwood estate. Every inch of the vast mansion and its gardens had been polished to perfection, as if trying to mask the cracks beneath its shiny surface. Today was the day, Rico Blackwood and Catherine Lionel’s would officially get wedded, an event that had drawn the who’s who of high society.Inside the bridal suite, Catherine sat before her dressing table, her hands steady as she applied the final touches to her makeup. Her ivory gown floating around her, a masterpiece of delicate lace and sparking pearls. Yet beneath her composed exterior, a sense of unease hummed in the background.Elisa paced near the window, her fingers clutching the edge of the curtains. From her vantage point, she could see the guests arriving powerful men in tailored suits, women in glamorous gowns, their chatter filling the air with a gentle buzz. She felt suffocated her breath hitching as s
Last Updated : 2024-12-17THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Trouble in Hidden Places
Chapter 14: Trouble in Hidden PlacesThe sun had barely set, and the quiet hum of city life came alive. It was one of those evenings where everything appeared calm, a little too calm. In her small but comfortable home, Sophia cradled Zira, her newborn daughter, who had finally fallen asleep. The soft rhythm of Zira’s breathing brought Sophia a fragile sense of peace, but it didn’t last long.She sat on the edge of the bed, her back against the couch, staring out of the window. The curtains fluttered slightly as a breeze pushed through the cracks. Grace had offered to stay, but Sophia insisted she needed some time alone to adjust. The truth was, she didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. Her instinct told her trouble wasn’t far behind.The world outside had changed since Zira’s arrival. Sophia could feel it. For weeks, she had been hiding, avoiding even a whisper of the Blackwoods. She knew they were still searching for her, though for what purpose, she couldn’t say. Did they want to sil
Last Updated : 2024-12-18THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Escape
Chapter 15: Escape The night felt endless for Sophia as she sat in the corner of her apartment, cradling Zira. The baby who was still fast asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with steady breaths. Sophia couldn’t stop replaying the attack in her mind, the masked intruder, the struggle, the blood, the body in her living room. She had acted on instinct, but now she was left with the horrifying aftermath, she killed a person.Her hands were still shaking as she checked her phone again. No missed calls, no messages. She was alone, but for how long? The body in her living room was a ticking clock, a silent threat reminding her that she had no time to waste.Sophia’s mother, Grace, had called earlier in the day, she offering to visit, ever since she moved a few blocks away to give Sophia space and privacy,. Sophia regretted brushing her off now. She could have used someone; anyone to be with her, to remind her she wasn’t completely alone in this fight.She whispered softly to Zira, “W
Last Updated : 2024-12-19
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THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. One Good, Two Bad.
Chapter 61: One Good, Two Bad.Rachel sat at the farthest corner of the school library, her fingers flipping through the pages of a thick textbook. The familiar scent of old paper and ink filled the air, a quiet comfort in the otherwise chaotic world of high school.She didn’t mind being alone.It was easier this way.People at St. Augustine’s Academy, one of the city’s most elite private schools weren’t cruel to her, but they weren’t friendly either. She was neither rich enough to be admired nor outgoing enough to be noticed. The other students barely acknowledged her presence, as if she were part of the furniture.Rachel had stopped trying to fit in years ago.“Class, before we begin, I want to acknowledge something,” Mr. Grayson, their economics teacher, said as he entered. He was one of the few teachers who actually noticed her.He turned to face the class. “We had a round of mock exams last week, and the highest scorer as usual where a number of kids but someone had given a large
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. New Beginning, Old Shadows
Chapter 60: New Beginning, Old ShadowsFifteen years had passed, and the world had moved on. The city still played with power, its undercurrents of corruption as strong as ever. The names that ruled it, Blackwood and the Hawthorne had not faded, only grown more ruthless.And among them, hidden in plain sight, was a girl who had no idea she was part of that world.Rachel Smith.Or, as she had once been called Zira.She didn’t remember the name. She didn’t remember much of anything from the life she’d left behind.But some things, even forgotten, never truly disappeared.***The Smith's Household: Two Sisters, Two RealitiesThe Smith's were a good family. At least, that’s what everyone believed.And in some ways, it was true. They weren’t cruel. They didn’t raise their voices, didn’t hit, didn’t mistreat her.But love?That was different.Rachel sat at the dinner table, the warm glow of the chandelier above them casting soft light over the polished mahogany. The smell of roasted chicken
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Before A New Era.
Chapter 59: Before A New Era.The world had shifted, but the game? The game was still the same, power, secrets, and survival. Only this time, the rules were different.Some won. Some lost. And some? They simply waited for their next move, it took years but it never ended.***Evelyn’s Unfinished BusinessEvelyn Hawthorne sat in her dim lit office, her fingers tapping against the polished wood of her desk. The city skyline stretched beyond the floor to ceiling windows, a reminder of everything she had built… and everything she had yet to destroy.Dominic, her right hand, stood by the door, watching her closely. “We have a problem,” he said.She exhaled slowly, swirling the whiskey in her glass. “I don’t like problems, Dominic.”“This one won’t go away.” he saidEvelyn arched a brow. “Alison Roman?”“She disappeared.” he answered Silence."Isn't that suppose to be Alexis and Alex job?" She fired back, staring at him.Evelyn didn’t react right away, but the weight in the room changed. D
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows and Reckonings
Chapter 58: Shadows and ReckoningsThe night was thick with tension. Evelyn Hawthorne sat in her car, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. Across the street, the remnants of the burned warehouse still smoldered, sending wisps of smoke curling into the dark sky. Her men were scattered, stationed at vantage points, waiting for movement.And then it came.A black SUV, tinted windows, slow and cautious, pulled up near the alleyway. Someone had come to investigate the aftermath of her destruction. Evelyn smiled coldly.“Finally,” she murmured.Dominic, her enforcer, leaned forward. “Want us to move in?” he askedEvelyn held up a hand. “No. Not yet. Let them think they’re safe, I also want to see who it is.”She watched as a figure stepped out of the SUV, their figure obstructed by shadows. They stood still for a moment, surveying the damage, then pulled out a phone. Whoever they were, they were making a call.Evelyn’s fingers drummed against her armrest. “Find out who they’re ca
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Resilience and Confessions.
Chapter 57: Resilience and Confessions.The night air smelled of smoke and destruction. The fire raged, licking at the sky as the old warehouse collapsed in on itself. Evelyn Hawthorne stood a safe distance away, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, eyes cold and calculating.Her men moved like shadows around her, efficient, ruthless. This was just the beginning. Whoever had taken over Alex Montgomery’s empire had hidden well, but Evelyn wasn’t one to play guessing games. She’d draw them out the old-fashioned way, by making them bleed, This wasn't a fight for her children as she had instructed them to watch and learn how it is done.One of her men, a tall enforcer named Dominic, stepped closer. “The fire will take care of any evidence. We hit three of their locations tonight. Their operation is falling apart Ma.” he aaidEvelyn took a slow breath, the scent of burning metal sharp in the air. “Good,” she murmured then smiled, “Now we wait.” she replied.If the new leader was
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. The Edge of Truth
Chapter 56: The Edge of TruthEvelyn’s Hunt for the RebelThe air inside the warehouse was thick with the smell of gasoline and old blood. The dim light from the overhead bulb cast long shadows on the concrete floor, where a man knelt, hands tied behind his back, his breathing coming in short gasps.Evelyn Hawthorne sat across from him, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of whiskey in her hand as she took her time mixing the amber liquid, her expression unreadable."You know why you’re here," she said finally. Her voice was soft, almost gentle, but the weight behind it made the man flinch."I ... I don’t know anything," he stammered, shaking his head. Blood trickled from a cut on his cheek, his eye already swelling shut.Evelyn sighed. "That’s disappointing." She tilted her head, watching him like a cat watching a wounded mouse. "You worked for Alex Montgomery. You took his orders, followed his commands and now, someone else is giving those orders in his name, All I want to know
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Shadows and Silence
Chapter 55: Shadows and SilenceSophia Pressures ValeThe pain hadn’t faded. Every movement sent a sharp sting through Sophia’s shoulder, but she gritted her teeth and ignored it. She had survived worse.She sat up on the couch, her body stiff from days of rest. The safe house was dim, the faint scent of antiseptic hanging in the air. She had been stitched up, cleaned, and kept breathing.But none of that mattered.Across from her, Vale sat with his legs stretched out, his phone in hand. He was too calm. Too comfortable."You look good for someone who almost died," Vale remarked without looking up.Sophia scowled. "And you look too relaxed for someone who still hasn’t found what I need." She saidVale smirked, finally setting his phone down. "You’re welcome, by the way. I did save your life." He retorted.Sophia ignored the remark. "Tell me what you found please?." She beggedVale stretched his arms over his head, yawning. "You’re not even going to let me enjoy this moment?" He giggle
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. A Past That Won’t Stay Buried
Chapter 54: A Past That Won’t Stay BuriedSophia Wakes UpThe first thing Sophia felt was pain, sharp, deep, and unforgiving pain. It dragged her up from the heavy darkness, pulling her toward consciousness like a weight pressing against her chest. She let out a slow, shaky breath, feeling her body protest at the slightest movement.Then she heard footsteps.Her eyes fluttered open, and the dim glow of a bedside lamp made her squint her eyes. She wasn’t in the motel anymore. The air smelled sterile, the walls bare. A safe house? A hospital?She shifted, and pain flared through her shoulder, making her suck in a sharp breath."You're awake." He said That voice. She knew it. Calm, unreadable.Sophia turned her head slowly. Vale was standing near the window, arms crossed, his face half hidden in the shadows."You’re lucky I was keeping an eye on you," he said, walking toward her. "Otherwise, you'd be dead."Sophia swallowed, her throat dry. "Where… am I?" She asked."Somewhere safe," Va
THE ABANDONED CHILD BECOMES THE BILLIONAIRES ONLY HEIR. Lost and Not Found
Chapter 53: Lost and Not FoundSophia sat on the edge of the motel bed, scrolling mindlessly through her phone. Her hands trembled slightly as she searched for any news about Grace. It had been days, and she hadn’t heard from her mother. That wasn’t like her. Grace always found a way to check in, even if it was just a short message.Her stomach twisted with unease. She typed "Grace Silverton" into the search bar, praying for something, anything, to ease her fears.The first headline made her breath hitch.LOCAL WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN APARTMENT. SUSPECTED FOUL PLAY.Sophia's vision blurred as she clicked on the article."Grace Silverton, 58, was found dead in her apartment late last night. Authorities suspect foul play, though details remain unclear. Sources indicate that Holloway had no known enemies, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the attack."The phone slipped from her hands and hit the floor with a dull thud. Her breath came in short gasps, her chest tightenin
